Method and means for visually determining the fit of footwear



Jab. 18 1927.

J. J. LOWE METHOD AND MEANS FOR VISUALLY DETERMINING THE FIT 0F FOOTWEAR Filed Feb. 6, 1919 Inve n few,

.11 owe .Jacdb m orne.

Patented J an. 18, 1927.

1,614,988 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JACOB J'. LOWE, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR, BY KESNE ASSIGNMENTS,

TO THE ADRIAN CORPORATION, INC., OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, A CORPORA- TION OF WISCONSIN.

IEETHOD AND MEANS FOR VISUALLY DETERMINING THE FIT 0F FOOTWEAR.

- Application filed February 6, 1919. Serial No. 275,310.

One of the most difiicult things in regard to the purchasing of ready-made boots and shoes is the task of obtaining a fit. The new shoes may feel all right for the first few minutes, but after wearing them for a few blocks a painful pressure assures the owner that he-has again made a failure in his desire toget a neat looking but-comfortable shoe. Even the measuring stick used by so many salesmen only partially aids the selection, whether employed for tak ing the width of the. foot as well as the weight of the body, is considerably wider than when free from pressure.

The object of this invention is the eifecting of means whereby the salesman, the purchaser and even the purchasers advisory friend can visually know exactly how well a shoe is fitting, both under pressure and otherwise. To this end I have so disposed X-ray apparatus as to enable the positions of the bones of the foot within the new shoe to be clearly seen and distinguished from the outline of the shoe, whereby any cramping or compression of the toes is instantlymade apparent. Z

In carrying this inventionout, I provide a platform elevated sufiiciently to carry the 0 X-ray apparatus beneath it, with viewing means positioned above it, so that the-wearer of new shoes can stand with his feet in the path of the rays and clearly see their condition.

In the drawings forming part of this specification, Figure 1 is aperspective view of apparatus embodying the preferred form of my invention. Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of the same. Fig. 3 is a sectional detail view of a detail thereof. Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation of a modification of the in vention. Fig. 5 is a sectional side viewof another modification.

The reference numeral. 1 designates the platform beneath which is contained the complete X-ray apparatus comprising the X-ray globe 2, a transformer 3 suitably connected therewith, and a rotary converter 4, in case the current supply is D. 0. instead of A. C. About the X-ray globe 2 is arranged a lead glass shield 5 having a central opening 6 for the passage of the rays upward.

-and standing upon the length; .for the foot, when sustaining the The platform 1 is supported upon enclosing sides 7, an end 9, and steps 10, the lat ter ingof course for the easy mounting of the shoe-purchaser to the platform.

Attached to the section of the platform farther from the steps is the viewing chamber 11 inclined away from the steps, and preferably formed with three viewing openings, the central opening 12 being elevated so that agmanof medium height can look down. through it when stooping somewhat platform, and the other two openings 13 enough'to accommodate men standing on-the floor' beside the apparatus.

The lower endof the chamber-front 14 is cut away sufliciently to form an opening 15 for the reception of the feet of a person orm close against the the two plates b ing slid into place through a slot '19 'inthe side 20.

As shown in Fig. 2, the viewing chamber 11 is out of plumb, being tipped away from the direction of the steps 10. The object of this is two-fold: first, to havethe screen 16 at a substantial right-angle to the longitudinal di'mension of the chamber and thereby to avoid the inaccuracy incident to viewing the screen-picture obliquely, and at the same time to; present the screen properly to the feet as above set forth. Second, is to cause .a person to have to lean over forward while visually considering the fit of the shoesbeing tried on. Thus leaning forward, his weight comes upon the ball of his foot, but if the chamber were vertical, his stooping to look down into the opening 12 would cause the main weight of his body to be over or behind his heels and thereby relieve his toes of the pressure needed for determining the very conditions sought to be learned. 7

A couple of handles 21 ma be positioned at the juncture of the-shoul ers 22 and the neck 23, as shown in Fig. 1.

Each opening 12, 13 is provided with padded shields 24 for shutting out outside light when looking into the chamber, and in case being located low 7 apparatus together, the unused opening can be covered by a cloth thrown over it.

In Fig. 4 is illustrated a modification of the device, comprising an inclined mirror 25 and a horizontal viewing passage 26, whereby a person can look down the chamber 11 without bending very much, but inasmuch as this bending is a desirable attitude, as above described, the structure first described is preferable.

The structure shown in Fig. 5 is another modification wherein the apparatus box is provided with an inclined surface 27 against which a person can place his feet While seated in a chair and "iew the fitting of the foot-wear; but as it does not allow of adequate pressure of the ball of the foot, it does not fully serve the purpose desired.

The manner of employing this apparatus is as follows: The person intending to purchase new foot wear, puts the same on his feet, mounts the steps 10, and stands upon the plaform 1 with his newly clad feet projecting through the opening 15. He then leans over forward* and applies his face to the shielded opening 12, vlewing his feet as pictured on the screen 16; only the bones and the-dim outlines of the shoes being visible. If he sees that the bones of the ball of a foot are pressed too closely together, or his toes crowded over each other, he needs no further evidence of the tightness of a shoe. no matter what the lack of feeling.

At the same time, the salesman or an accompanying friend or both are viewing the feet through the openings 13, the salesman.

introducing a pointer 30 through a hole 31 provided therefor in one or both sides of the viewing chamber, and pointing out the points of ill-fit which he notes. This pointer can, of course, be easily seen as it moves over the fluorescent picture of the shoes and feet on. the screen.

With this apparatus in his shop, a shoe mechant can positively assure his customers that they need never wear ill-fitting boots and shoes; that parents can visually assure themselves as to whether they are buying shoes for their boys and girls 'which will not injure and deform the sensitive bones and joints.

It should be understood that, although I have illustrated and described, in detail, a concrete embodiment of my invention, the drawings and description are merely illustrative and, not in any sense restrictive, of the invention, numerous changes and modifications being possible without departing from the scope of the invention, which is more particularly defined in the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a device of the class described and in combination, a support for a foot, a viewing chamber extending upwardly from the support and having a portion cut away to form an opening for the reception of the foot on said support, a fluorescent screen in said chamber above said opening, and an X-ray device beneath said support.

2. In a device of the class described and in combination, a support for a foot, an X- ray device below said support, a viewing chamber above the suport, a fluorescent screen in said viewing chamber and spaced above said support whereby a foot may be placed between the screen and the support, said chamber extending upwardly above said support and having an observation opening positioned so that an observer can view an image of his own foot placed beneath the fluorescent screen.

3. In a device of the class described and in combination, a support for a foot, an X- ray device below said support, a viewing chamber above the support, a fluorescent screen in said viewing chamber and spaced above said support whereby a foot may be placed between the screen and the support, said chamber extending upwardly above said support and having an observation open ing positioned so that an observer can view an image of his own foot placed beneath the fluorescent screen, and having a second observation opening whereby two persons may simultaneously view the foot.

4. In a device of the class described and in combination, a horizontal support for feet adapted to support a person in standing position, an X-ray device beneath said support, a viewing chamber extending upwardly above said sup ort, a fluorescent screen in said viewing 0 amber and spaced from said support whereby the feet of a person standing upon the support may be placed between said screen and the support, said chamber being inclined in relation to said support and having an observation opening positioned so that an observer standing upon said support with his feet beneath said screen can view an image of his own feet, the chamber being inclined relatively to said support at an angle adapted to force such an observer to lean forward to view his foot and thus place weight upon the balls of the feet.

5. In a device of the class described and in combination, asupport for a foot, an X- ray device beneath said support, a viewing chamber extending upwardly above said support, a fluorescent screen in said viewing chamber and spaced from said support whereby a foot may be placed between said screen and the support, said chamber being inclined in relation to said support and having a plurality of observation openings, one of said openings being positioned so that an observer can view an image of his own foot placed beneath the fluorescent screen, and said chamber being inclined at an angle Iii) adapted to force such an observer to lean forward and thus place weight upon the ball of the foot.

6. In a device of the class described, a platform, an X-ray device below said platform, a viewing chamber rising fromsaid platform, a fliiorescent screen located in said chamber spaced from the platform, the front of the viewing chamber between said screen and platform being cut away to permit the introduction of the fore parts of the feet of a person standing on the platform, the viewing chamber being formed with two observation openings, one of said openings being in position suitable for the person standing upon the platform and positioning the feet beneath the fluorescent screen.

7. In a device of the class described and in combination, a platform, an X-ray apparatus beneath the platform, a viewing chamber above said platform, and a fluorescent screen located within said chamber and spaced from the platform to permit the introduction between the screen and platform of the fore part of the feet of a person standing upon the platform, the viewing chamber being inclined with relation to said platform and being formed with a plurality of observation openings, one of said openings being positioned so that an observer standing upon the platform can view an image of his own feet placed upon said platform below the fluorescent screen, and the chamber being inclined at an angle adapted to force such an observer to lean forward to view his feet and thus place weight upon the balls of the feet.

8. In a device of the class described and in combination, a support for the feet, X-ray apparatus beneath said support, a viewing chamber rising from said support, a fluorescent screen with said chamber and spaced from the support 'whereby a foot may be inserted between said screen and support, said chamber having a plurality of observation openings, and a hole for a pointer for the purpose of calling attention to details of an image on the screen.

9. In a device of the class described and in combination, a support for the feet, X- ray apparatus beneath said su ort, a viewing chamber rising from sai support, a fluorescent screen within said chamber and spaced from the support whereby a foot may be inserted between said screen and support, said chamber having a plurality of observatlonppenings, one of said openings being imposition whereby the same may be used by the person positioning the feet between the screen and the support, and a hole for a pointer for the purpose of calling attention to details of the image on the screen.

10. In a device of the class described and in combination, a platform, an X-ray apparatus below said platform, a viewing chamber rising from said platform and in-.

.an entrance for the fore part of the feet between the screen and the platform, the viewing chamber being formed adjacent its top with a plurality of observation openings affording a line of vision at an approximate ly right angle to said screen and one of said openings being in position for use by the person standing upon the platform and positioning the feet below the screen, the inclination of said chamber compelling such person to lean forward and thus throw weight upon the balls of the feet.

11. The combination as specified in claim 10 said viewing chamber having a. hole therein for a pointer for the purpose of calling attention to details of the image on the screen.

12. A device of the class described comprising a box having a flat top, X-ray apparatus in said box, a viewing chamber ris-' ing from and i clined with relation to said top, and a fluofbscent screen located Within said chamber spaced above said top, said chamber being cut away at its front between said screen and top, a neck extending from the top of the chamber having a shoulder on one side thereof, observation openings being provided through the upper end of saidneck and through said shoulder.

13. The method of visually determining the fit of foot-wear which consists in placing a shoe upon a foot, positioning the foot and shoe between a source of X-rays and a fluorescent screen, placing weight upon'the foot to produce a broadening of the foot, and viewing the image of shoe and foot on the fluorescent screen.

14. The method of visually determining the fit of foot-wear which consists in plac ing a shoe upon a foot, positioning the foot and shoe between a sourceof X-rays and a fluorescent screen, placing the weight of the body upon the ball of the foot to produce a broadening of the foot, and viewing the image of the shoe and foot upon the fluorescent screen.

15. In a device of the class. described and in combination, a horizontal support for feet adapted to support a person in stand ing position, an X-ray device beneath said support, a viewing chamber extending up wardly above said support, a fluorescent screen in said viewing chamber and spaced from said support whereby the feet of a person standing upon the support may be placed between said screen and the support, said own feet placed beneath the fluorescent screen.

16. The method of visually determining the fit of foot-wear which consists in plac- 5 ing a shoe upon a, foot, positioning the foot and shoe between a source of X-rays and a fluorescent screen, and self-viewing the image of shoe and foot on the fluorescent screen.

In testimony'that I claim the foregoing 10 invention, I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of February, 1919.

JACOB J. LOWE. 

